Friday, January 23, 2015

I don't think these two Seattleites could take a bad picture!! Like most folks in the Pacific Northwest, the clouds and rain did not deter them when it came to their engagement session!! They took it all in stride and decided to play!! So glad to have hung out with them in January.....but truly can't wait for their big day in July!!

Even though all Seattle-folk know that umbrellas are for tourists, it's not totally true when it comes to engagement pictures! (Plus, their university had to represent!!)

Thursday, January 8, 2015

It's that time of year again. Some of us make resolutions, some of us try to declutter our homes, others of us choose a word or phrase to try to live by for the coming year. Me? I attempt all three. A few of my resolutions may make it to the habit stage, but most will probably die of neglect. (Hey...I am so happy to watch Biggest Loser, but don't feel the need to get sweaty when I have cookies in my hand!) I am always attempting to declutter and clean (isn't that the definition of motherhood???) but my endeavors are made much more difficult by the three other bipeds who live with me.

I can, however, manage to be inspired by a word or phrase that is large enough to take me (and all my baggage) on a ride through the entire year. It is a little nerve-wracking though, isn't it? Kind of like buying a car - you have to like not only the make and model, but also the color and the way it handles on the road.

As I was reading a delightful book at the close of this year, I came across a phrase that jumped out at me and caused me to think it might be a good vehicle to travel on....

(The phrase is borrowed from Larry Crabb who borrowed it from Eugene Peterson who borrowed it from the author of the book of James.)

Lead With Your Ears is a reminder to be listening intently in whatever circumstance I am in. It is an invitation to take notice of not only the words that are spoken, but the unspoken ones too. Lead With Your Ears urges me to hear what the person in front of me is saying and, at the same time, what God is saying.

To Lead With Your Ears is, for me, a seeking to understand before I am understood. It means not being so worried about getting to say what I want (the already rehearsed monologue in my head!), but instead really engaging with the conversation and situation at hand...and responding to those.

Lead With Your Ears carries with it an unknown and mysterious element too. Who knows what I'll hear? But the practice of attending to the moment, the people and the God around me is enough to begin the journey. I guess I will just have to keep straining my ears to listen as they lead me through 2015!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Once again...these pictures were not taken in Denver (I wish!!) This was the last session in Phoenix and it couldn't have been a better ending to our time there. I love this family!! Mom is like a little sister to me (we've know each other for 26 years), so it was a HUGE honor to get to hang out and watch them play during our session!!

I think this is their form of disciplining children!!!

A little "rock, paper, scissors"...

...and some "fun with fruit" with Dad!!

Ahhh...sibling love!!

Thanks M Family!! I wish we lived next door to each other!! It was wonderful to get to see you, hug you, and capture a bit of your story!!

Saturday, January 3, 2015

OK...so once again, these weren't taken in Denver. Had they been, the S Family would be bundled up in 12 layers of clothing and the picture might show a complete white out (at least today)!

No...I got to hang out with this awesome tribe while I was in Phoenix. I've know them for quite a while so it was great to get to catch up, play, giggle, dance, and marvel at how kiddos change our lives!!

I do love families who play, but when you have a 3 year old and 11 month old, playing is non-negotiable...

...and when you have these two for parents, playing just comes with the territory!

So does hugging!!

Mom and Dad started a dance party! (Including "jazz hands"!!!)

The rest of the tribe joined in.

And shook a little booty!!!

Kisses, wrestling and giggles rounded out our session...

And a declaration of the Most Important Thing....(which is obviously so important that the entire family should pay attention!)

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The Red Thread

There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break.

I want my photography to highlight this red thread – this connection between people, who at one time or another, in one circumstance or another, have met. It may be children, grown-ups, friends, families, parents with their kids, lovers, even newborn babies. The red thread is there and its strength and flexibility are amazing.

My approach to photographing your wedding, family or children is to capture the connections and relationships in a photojournalistic style. Catching your family and friends in real-life settings, creating images that evoke love and laughter, and provide photographs that can be treasured by all who are, and will be, connected to you.